Current Research
Research is a vital part of our department. We specialize in innovative, transdisciplinary work. Explore our studies below and please consider participating in a study that meets your needs and eligibility to help us advance brain health.
The Department of Psychiatry’s research programs aim to both improve our understanding of and advance treatments for mood and anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, sleep disorders, brain injuries, and emotional and social influences on cancer.
Benefits of Participating in Research
Volunteers who participate in our research programs are carefully and regularly monitored by friendly, experienced and highly qualified staff. Most studies involve either weekly or monthly visits to the clinic. Participants in condition-specific clinical trials will receive assistance with a referral for continued care when the study is completed.
Current Studies
The University of Arizona SCAN Lab is recruiting for a study on the effects of the 2B-Alert App on cognitive performance. You may be eligible for this study if you:
- Are 18-39 years old
- Speak English as your primary language
- Have a regular sleep schedule
The maximum compensation for this study is $2,500.
Click on the button below to complete the research qualification screener.
Contact: 2BAlertstudy@gmail.com, 520-762-4433.
An Institutional Review Board responsible for human subjects research at the University of Arizona reviewed this research project and found it to be acceptable, according to applicable state and federal regulations and university policies designed to protect the rights and welfare of participants in research.
Do you struggle with getting restful sleep?
Does it impact your mood?
We are working with U.S. service members and recent veterans on a remote study to explore if morning blue light (through wearable glasses) can:
- Improve mood
- Reset your internal clock (circadian rhythm)
- Reduce sleep disruption
If you are 18-60 years old, serve in the armed forces of any branch or are a recent veteran — within the last five years — you may qualify to participate and be compensated for your time!
This study last six weeks, includes a certificate of confidentiality, and is:
- Remote
- Non-invasive and drug-free
- Completely separate from your command
Click on the interest form below to start the screening process and see if you qualify.
Contact: BrightLightStudy@arizona.edu, 480-420-4937.
Approved by the Department of Defense Office of Human Research Oversight. OHRO Protocol: EO3759.1a
The study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Arizona Institutional Review Board.
We are currently conducting a research study testing two strategies to reduce evening light exposure in order to improve children’s sleep and the timing of their biological clock.
Visit our website for more details.
Join a Game-Based Virtual Reality Study
Help us advance the future of brain health!
We’re building a next-gen VR tool to identify traumatic brain injuries faster than ever, and we need YOU for this inclusive research study at the University of Arizona.
Participation Eligibility
- 18-60 years of age with English proficiency
- Normal or corrected-to-normal vision
- Ability to kneel and crouch comfortably
- People with diverse health experiences, including managing TBI, concussion, MS, stroke, ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, migraine or chronic headaches, and other neurological or emotional health conditions are eligible, as well as those in good health!
Study Details
You’ll join us for a 4.5-hour visit, which includes a series of physical and brain health assessments. After that, you’ll get into the virtual reality fun by engaging in game-based, immersive VR scenarios. Compensation is provided upon successful study completion.
Help improve how brain injuries are detected — for everyone!
Click on the button below to visit the website with full details and the research qualification screener.
Contact: ScanVRstudy@arizona.edu, 520-477-7188
The study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Arizona Institutional Review Board.
Do you struggle with insomnia?
The SCAN Lab is investigating the effectiveness of a novel brain stimulation technique for improving sleep. This brain stimulation is known as cTBS (continuous theta burst stimulation), a type of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This stimulation involves a handheld device held up to your head for 40 seconds that uses a brief series of magnetic pulses to alter patterns of brain activation in the area underneath the device. It is well-tolerated when used in people without any contraindications. A prior pilot study conducted by the SCAN Lab showed that TMS can improve sleep, but we cannot guarantee any results.
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- Have suspected or diagnosed insomnia disorder, without a sleep apnea diagnosis
- Are willing to undergo TMS treatment in Tucson, 10 times in the evening within a 2-3 week period
- Are able and willing to complete an fMRI scan (copy of brain scan provided to participants upon request!)
- Are able and willing to wear a MUSE headband and Fitbit to sleep for five weeks
- Have no other major mental health or general health concerns
Click on the interest form below to start the screening process and see if you qualify.
Please keep in mind that if the screener closes, it is because you are not eligible for this study.
Contact: scan.tms.insomnia@arizona.edu, 520-329-7150.
The study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Arizona Institutional Review Board.
Diagnosed with depression?
The MOONLIGHT1 study is looking for adults with depression who are currently in a depressive episode. This study is evaluating the effects of a daily oral investigational medication on depressive symptoms.
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- are 18–64 years of age
- have been diagnosed with depression
- have taken antidepressants in the past that did not work well for you
Additional eligibility criteria will be assessed by the study doctor or staff. Please click on the interest form below for more details.
Qualified patients may receive study-required medical care and investigational study medication at no cost. The study will not pay for other medical care or current medication(s) needed to support your daily health care routine.
Contact: BaMHresearch@arizona.edu, 520-626-1527.
You could participate in a research study for adults who have depression. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, efficacy and maintenance of effect of an investigational medication in people with depression.
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- are 18–74 years of age
- have been diagnosed with depression
- have taken antidepressants in the past that did not work well for you
- are currently taking an antidepressant medication but still have symptoms of depression
Additional eligibility criteria will be assessed by the study doctor or staff. Please click on the interest form below for more details.
The study consists of Part 1 and Part 2. In Part 1, you will receive the investigational medication or placebo (contains no active medication) for six weeks. If you complete Part 1, you will have the option to participate in Part 2. In Part 2, you could receive the investigational medication for up to 16 weeks or more.
Qualified patients may receive study-required medical care and investigational study medication at no cost. The study will not pay for other medical care or current medication(s) needed to support your daily health care routine.
Contact: BaMHresearch@arizona.edu, 520-626-1527.
Do you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or know someone who does?
A person with OCD may be eligible for a research study being conducted by the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson Department of Psychiatry.
This study will investigate the effects of an experimental drug on symptoms of OCD.
- Active duty and veterans of military and law enforcement services, members of racial, ethnic, gender and sexual minority groups are encouraged to participate.
Contact: The Clinical and Translational Research Center in Tucson, OCD@psychiatry.arizona.edu, 520-626-8000.
The study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Arizona Institutional Review Board.
Looking to rekindle your ability to cope with a life-changing medical illness?
Living with cancer or other serious medical condition changes everything — including your mental health. Those experiencing negative mental health changes after becoming ill may be dealing with what is known as adjustment disorder.
Potential participants, contact Esmeralda Terrazas, esmeralda97h@arizona.edu, 520-626-8000.
Physicians, contact Francisco A. Moreno, MD, fmoreno@arizona.edu, 520-626-5327 for more information about the REKINDLE Study.
Flyers available for download:
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